BREAKING: Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Days Before 72nd Birthday

Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71, throwing his family, political associates and the people of Delta State into mourning.

Uduaghan reportedly died in Abuja on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, just days before his 72nd birthday, which was scheduled to be celebrated on Thursday.

His death was announced by his family in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday, October 19, in which they expressed profound grief over the loss of their beloved patriarch.

The family described the late former governor as a devoted father, brother, uncle and respected elder whose life and public service touched countless people across Delta State and Nigeria.

In the statement announcing his passing, the family said his death had left them devastated, noting that his contributions to the family and society would remain part of his enduring legacy.

“It is with hearts weighed down by immeasurable grief and profound sorrow that we announce the passing to glory of our beloved Father, Brother, Uncle, and Patriarch, His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, who departed this world on the morning of 19th October 2026.”

The family further acknowledged his impact on the people of Delta State, describing his demise as a profound loss not only to his immediate family but also to the wider Nigerian community.

They expressed gratitude to God for his life, years of service and the legacy he left behind, while praying for divine comfort for all those mourning his death.

Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan was one of the prominent political figures in the Niger Delta, having served Delta State in several important public offices before and during his tenure as governor.

His political and administrative journey included the following positions:

* Commissioner for Health (1999–2003): He served in the Delta State Government, overseeing responsibilities in the state's healthcare sector.

* Secretary to the Delta State Government (2003–2007): He subsequently assumed a key administrative position in the state government.

* Governor of Delta State (2007–2015): He was elected governor and served two consecutive terms, leaving office in 2015.

During his years in government, Uduaghan was associated with efforts aimed at advancing healthcare delivery and infrastructural development across Delta State.

His eight-year tenure as governor established him as a significant political figure in the South-South region of Nigeria.

Uduaghan's death marks the passing of a former state chief executive whose career spanned healthcare administration, government coordination and executive leadership.

In their tribute, his family described him as a source of strength and a father figure whose presence would be deeply missed, adding that his memory would remain alive through the lives he touched.

The family concluded its announcement with prayers for his eternal rest and for strength for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and all those affected by his demise.

The statement ended with the words:

 “Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

As tributes are expected to follow his passing, the late former governor's family, political associates and the people of Delta State mourn the loss of a prominent figure in the state's political history.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

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